Vonoprazan Triple and Dual Therapy for Helicobacter pylori Infection in the United States and Europe: Randomized Clinical Trial

The second Irish Helicobacter pylori Working Group consensus for the diagnosis and treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection in adult patients in Ireland

BACKGROUND

There has been an increase in resistance to many of the antimicrobials used to treat Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori ) nationally and internationally. Primary clarithromycin resistance and dual clarithromycin and metronidazole resistance are high in Ireland. These trends call for an evaluation of best-practice management strategies.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to revise the recommendations for the management of H. pylori infection in adult patients in the Irish healthcare setting.

METHODS

The Irish H. pylori working group (IHPWG) was established in 2016 and reconvened in 2023 to evaluate the most up-to-date literature on H. pylori diagnosis, eradication rates and antimicrobial resistance. The 'GRADE' approach was then used to rate the quality of available evidence and grade the resulting recommendations.

RESULTS

The Irish H. pylori working group agreed on 14 consensus statements. Key recommendations include (1) routine antimicrobial susceptibility testing to guide therapy is no longer recommended other than for clarithromycin susceptibility testing for first-line treatment (statements 6 and 9), (2) clarithromycin triple therapy should only be prescribed as first-line therapy in cases where clarithromycin susceptibility has been confirmed (statement 9), (3) bismuth quadruple therapy (proton pump inhibitor, bismuth, metronidazole, tetracycline) is the recommended first-line therapy if clarithromycin resistance is unknown or confirmed (statement 10), (4) bismuth quadruple therapy with a proton pump inhibitor, levofloxacin and amoxicillin is the recommended second-line treatment (statement 11) and (5) rifabutin amoxicillin triple therapy is the recommend rescue therapy (statement 12).

CONCLUSION

These recommendations are intended to provide the most relevant current best-practice guidelines for the management of H. pylori infection in adults in Ireland.

Vonoprazan-amoxicillin dual therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication in Chinese population: A prospective, multicenter, randomized, two-stage study

BACKGROUND

The efficacy of Vonoprazan-amoxicillin dual therapy (VAT) in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is controversial.

AIM

To evaluate the efficacy of VAT in the Chinese population.

METHODS

This prospective, multicenter, randomized, open-label, and two-stage study was conducted at 23 centers in Fujian, China (May 2021-April 2022). H. pylori-infected patients were randomized to bismuth quadruple therapy (BQT), BQT-Vonoprazan (BQT-V), seven-day VAT (VAT-7), ten-day VAT (VAT-10), and fourteen-day VAT (VAT-14) groups. The primary endpoint was the H. pylori eradication rate. The secondary endpoint was the frequency of adverse events. This study was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2100045778.

RESULTS

In the first stage, VAT-7 and BQT-V groups were selected for early termination because less than 23 among 28 cases were eradicated. In the second stage, the eradication rates for BQT, VAT-10, and VA-14 were 80.2% [95% confidence interval (95%CI): 71.4%-86.8%], 93.2% (86.6%-96.7%), 92.2% (85.3%-96.0%) in the intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis, and 80.9% (95%CI: 71.7%-87.5%), 94.0% (87.5%-97.2%), and 93.9% (87.4%-97.2%) in the per-protocol analysis. The ITT analysis showed a higher eradication rate in the VAT-10 and VAT-14 groups than in the BQT group (P = 0.022 and P = 0.046, respectively). The incidence of adverse events in the VAT-10 and VAT-14 groups was lower than in the BQT group (25.27% and 13.73% vs 37.62%, respectively; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

VAT with a duration of 10 or 14 days achieves a higher eradication rate than the BQT, with a more tolerable safety profile in H. pylori-infected patients in Fujian.

Comparison of vonoprazan bismuth-containing triple therapy with quadruple therapy in Helicobacter pylori-infected treatment-naive patients: a prospective multicenter randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Helicobacter pylori infection is linked to various gastrointestinal conditions, such as chronic active gastritis, peptic ulcers, and gastric cancer. Traditional treatment options encounter difficulties due to antibiotic resistance and adverse effects. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the effectiveness of a new treatment plan that combines vonoprazan (VPZ), amoxicillin, and bismuth for the eradication of H. pylori.

METHODS

A total of 600 patients infected with H. pylori were recruited for this multicenter randomized controlled trial. Patients treated for H. pylori elimination were randomly assigned at a 1:1 ratio to receive 14 days of vonoprazan-based triple therapy (vonoprazan + amoxicillin + bismuth, group A) or standard quadruple therapy (esomeprazole + clarithromycin + amoxicillin + bismuth, group B). Compliance and adverse effects were tracked through daily medication and side effect records. All patients underwent a 13C/14C-urea breath test 4 weeks after treatment completion.

RESULTS

Intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) analyses revealed no substantial differences in H. pylori eradication rates between groups A and B (ITT: 83.7% vs 83.2%; PP: 90.9% vs 89.7%). However, significant differences were observed in the assessment of side effects (13.7% vs 28.6%, P < 0.001). Specifically, group A had significantly fewer "bitter mouths" than group B did (3.7% vs 16.2%, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Triple therapy comprising vonoprazan (20 mg), amoxicillin (750 mg), and bismuth potassium citrate (220 mg) achieved a PP eradication rate ≥90%, paralleling standard quadruple therapy, and had fewer adverse events and lower costs (¥306.8 vs ¥645.8) for treatment-naive patients.

Real-World Situation of Eradication Regimens and Risk Factors for Helicobacter pylori Treatment in China: A Retrospective Single-Center Study

Background and Objectives

The success rate of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication in China is declining. The aim of this study was to evaluate eradication outcomes in clinical practice and identifies factors contributing to treatment failure.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted on patients treated for H. pylori infection with 14-day bismuth-containing quadruple therapy at a Beijing medical center from January 2020 to December 2023. We analyzed demographic and clinical data, eradication rates across regimens, and performed multivariate analysis to pinpoint predictors of failure.

Results

Out of 3340 participants, 2273 (68.1%) achieved eradication. Amoxicillin-based combinations (69.2%) outperformed other antibiotic regimens (58.9%, p < 0.001), with amoxicillin plus doxycycline reaching a 71.4% success rate. Esomeprazole-based regimens were more effective (73.6%) than other PPI regimens (65.2%, p = 0.001), notably, a rabeprazole, amoxicillin, doxycycline, and bismuth combination had an 80.0% success rate. Age, gender, and smoking and drinking were significant eradication failure predictors.

Conclusion

In real-world settings, 14-day amoxicillin and esomeprazole-based quadruple regimens have been demonstrated to be more effective than other regimens. Age, gender, and lifestyle habits are identified as independent risk factors for eradication failure.

Registration

This study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry on 08/01/2024 (clinical trial registration number: ChiCTR2400079647).

Peptic ulcer disease

Annual prevalence estimates of peptic ulcer disease range between 0·12% and 1·5%. Peptic ulcer disease is usually attributable to Helicobacter pylori infection, intake of some medications (such as aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications), or being critically ill (stress-related), or it can be idiopathic. The clinical presentation is usually uncomplicated, with peptic ulcer disease management based on eradicating H pylori if present, the use of acid-suppressing medications-most often proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)-or addressing complications, such as with early endoscopy and high-dose PPIs for peptic ulcer bleeding. Special considerations apply to patients on antiplatelet and antithrombotic agents. H pylori treatment has evolved, with the choice of regimen dictated by local antibiotic resistance patterns. Indications for primary and secondary prophylaxis vary across societies; most suggest PPIs for patients at highest risk of developing a peptic ulcer, its complications, or its recurrence. Additional research areas include the use of potassium-competitive acid blockers and H pylori vaccination; the optimal approach for patients at risk of stress ulcer bleeding requires more robust determinations of optimal patient selection and treatment selection, if any. Appropriate continuation of PPI use outweighs most possible side-effects if given for approved indications, while de-prescribing should be trialled when a definitive indication is no longer present.

Vonoprazan-Amoxicillin Dual Therapy With Different Amoxicillin Administration Regimens for Helicobacter pylori Treatment: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

The effect of preprandial or postprandial administration of amoxicillin on the efficacy of vonoprazan-amoxicillin dual therapy (VA-dual therapy) for Helicobacter pylori treatment has not been studied. It is also unclear whether amoxicillin dosing four times daily is more effective than three times daily. We aimed to investigate the effect of different amoxicillin administration regimens on the efficacy of VA-dual therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

H. pylori-infected subjects were randomly assigned to three groups in a 1:1:1 ratio to receive a 14-day dual therapy consisting of vonoprazan 20 mg twice daily + amoxicillin 1000 mg three times daily before meals (BM-TID) or 1000 mg three times daily after meals (AM-TID) or 750 mg four times daily after meals (AM-QID). H. pylori eradication rates, adverse events rates, compliance, and antibiotic resistance were compared.

RESULTS

Between May 2021 to April 2023, 327 subjects were enrolled. The eradication rates of BM-TID, AM-TID, and AM-QID dual therapy were 88.1%, 89.9%, and 93.6% in intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis, 90.6%, 94.2%, and 99.0% in modified ITT (MITT) analysis, and 90.4%, 94.1%, and 99.0% in per-protocol (PP) analysis. Although there was non-inferiority between BM-TID and AM-TID, as well as between AM-TID and AM-QID, AM-QID was significantly more effective than BM-TID. There were no significant differences in adverse event rates, compliance, and antibiotic resistance among the three groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Postprandial administration and the increased frequency of administration of amoxicillin may contribute to a better efficacy of VA-dual therapy, especially for rescue therapy. All VA-dual therapy in our study could achieve good efficacy for first-line treatment.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

clinicaltrials.gov: NCT05901051.

Bismuth-Containing Quadruple Therapy for Helicobacter pylori Eradication: A Randomized Clinical Trial of 10 and 14 Days

BACKGROUND

Bismuth-containing quadruple therapy is the first-line treatment for eradicating Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). The optimal duration for H. pylori eradication using bismuth-containing quadruple therapy remains controversial. Therefore, we aimed to compare the clinical effects of the 10- and 14-day bismuth-containing quadruple treatment regimen to eradicate H. pylori.

METHODS

Treatment-naïve patients with H. pylori infection (n = 1300) were enrolled in this multicenter randomized controlled study across five hospitals in China. They were randomized into 10- or 14-day treatment groups to receive bismuth-containing quadruple therapy as follows: vonoprazan 20 mg twice daily; bismuth 220 mg twice daily; amoxicillin 1000 mg twice daily; and either clarithromycin 500 mg twice daily or tetracycline 500 mg four times daily. At least 6 weeks after treatment, we performed a 13C-urea breath test to evaluate H. pylori eradication.

RESULTS

The per-protocol eradication rates were 93.22% (564/605) and 93.74% (569/607) (p < 0.001) and the intention-to-treat eradication rates were 88.62% (576/650) and 89.38% (581/650) (p = 0.007) for the 10- and 14-day regimens, respectively. Incidence of adverse effects was lower in patients who received 10- vs. 14 days of treatment (22.59% vs. 28.50%, p = 0.016). We observed no significant differences in the compliance to treatment or the discontinuation of therapy because of severe adverse effects between the groups.

CONCLUSION

Compared with the 14-day bismuth-containing quadruple regimens, the 10-day regimen demonstrated a non-inferior efficacy and lower incidence of adverse effects. Therefore, the 10-day regimen is safe and tolerated and could be recommended for H. pylori eradication (NCT05049902).

Simplified Helicobacter pylori therapy for patients with penicillin allergy: a randomised controlled trial of vonoprazan-tetracycline dual therapy

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of vonoprazan and tetracycline (VT) dual therapy as first-line treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection in patients with penicillin allergy.

METHODS

In this randomised controlled trial, treatment-naïve adults with H. pylori infection and penicillin allergy were randomised 1:1 to receive either open-label VT dual therapy (vonoprazan 20 mg two times per day+tetracycline 500 mg three times a day) or bismuth quadruple therapy (BQT; lansoprazole 30 mg two times per day+colloidal bismuth 150 mg three times a day+tetracycline 500 mg three times a day+metronidazole 400 mg three times a day) for 14 days. The primary outcome was non-inferiority in eradication rates in the VT dual group compared with the BQT group. Secondary outcomes included assessing adverse effects.

RESULTS

300 patients were randomised. The eradication rates in the VT group and the BQT group were: 92.0% (138/150, 95% CI 86.1% to 95.6%) and 89.3% (134/150, 95% CI 83.0% to 93.6%) in intention-to-treat analysis (difference 2.7%; 95% CI -4.6% to 10.0%; non-inferiority p=0.000); 94.5% (138/146, 95% CI 89.1% to 97.4%) and 93.1% (134/144, 95% CI 87.3% to 96.4%) in modified intention-to-treat analysis (difference 1.5%; 95% CI -4.9% to 8.0%; non-inferiority p=0.001); 95.1% (135/142, 95% CI 89.7% to 97.8%) and 97.7% (128/131, 95% CI 92.9% to 99.4%) in per-protocol analysis (difference 2.6%; 95% CI -2.9% to 8.3%; non-inferiority p=0.000). The treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were significantly lower in the VT group (14.0% vs 48.0%, p=0.000), with fewer treatment discontinuations due to TEAEs (2.0% vs 8.7%, p=0.010).

CONCLUSIONS

VT dual therapy demonstrated efficacy and safety as a first-line treatment for H. pylori infection in the penicillin-allergic population, with comparable efficacy and a lower incidence of TEAEs compared with traditional BQT.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ChiCTR2300074693.

Efficacy of Vonoprazan vs. Intravenous Proton Pump Inhibitor in Prevention of Re-Bleeding of High-Risk Peptic Ulcers: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

Background: Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy is well-established for its effectiveness in reducing re-bleeding in high-risk peptic ulcer patients following endoscopic hemostasis. Vonoprazan (VPZ) has demonstrated the capacity to achieve gastric pH levels exceeding 4, comparable to PPIs. This study aims to evaluate the comparative efficacy of intravenous PPI infusion versus VPZ in preventing re-bleeding after endoscopic hemostasis in patients with high-risk peptic ulcers. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, controlled, and double-dummy design was employed. Patients with peptic ulcer bleeding (Forrest class IA/IB or IIA/IIB) who underwent endoscopic hemostasis were randomly assigned to either the PPI group or the VPZ group. Re-bleeding rates at 3, 7, and 30 days, the number of blood transfusions required, length of hospitalization, and ulcer healing rate at 56 days were assessed. Results: A total of 44 eligible patients were enrolled, including 20 patients (PPI group, n = 11; VPZ group, n = 9) with high-risk peptic ulcers. The mean age was 66 years, with 70% being male. Re-bleeding within 72 h occurred in 9.1% of the PPI group versus 0% in the VPZ group (p = 1.000). There was no significant difference in re-bleeding rates within 7 days and 30 days (18.2% vs. 11.1%, p = 1.000). Additionally, the ulcer healing rate did not significantly differ between the groups (87.5% vs. 77.8%). Conclusions: This pilot study demonstrates comparable efficacy between oral vonoprazan and continuous PPI infusion in preventing recurrent bleeding events among high-risk peptic ulcer patients following successful endoscopic hemostasis.

Validated chromatographic approach for determination of two ternary mixtures in newly approved formulations for helicobacter pylori eradication: assessment of greenness profile and content uniformity

A new, sensitive, and rapid isocratic reversed phase chromatographic method (RP-HPLC-UV) was developed for simultaneous separation of two newly co-formulated antiulcer mixtures; Amoxicillin, Vonoprazan and Clarithromycin [Mixture (I)], and Amoxicillin, Lansoprazole and Clarithromycin [Mixture (II)]. Analytical separation was performed using a Promosil C18 column and ultraviolet detection at 210 nm. The separation was achieved within only 8 min. For both mixtures, an aqueous solution, composed of (Acetonitrile: Methanol: 0. 2 M phosphoric acid) within ratio of (30: 30: 40) adjusted to final pH 3.0, was the mobile phase. This method was validated as per the International Conference on Harmonization guidelines. The linearity ranges of these proposed method of the (Mixture (I)) were 25.0-400.0 µg/mL Amoxicillin, 0.5-8.0 µg/mL Vonoprazan, and 12.5-200.0 µg/mL Clarithromycin. And the linearity ranges of the (Mixture (II)) were 10.0-300.0 µg/mL Amoxicillin, 0.3-9.0 µg/mL Lansoprazole and 5.0-150.0 µg/mL Clarithromycin. This method was firstly applied for effective separation of Amoxicillin, Vonoprazan and Clarithromycin [Mixture (I)]. It fulfilled good repeatability, sensitivity, and accuracy (R.S.D. < 2.0%). The mean recoveries of the analytes in their Tri-Pak formulations were acceptable. The greenness of the developed chromatographic methods was assessed using an Eco-scale method and it was applied for content uniformity testing as per the United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) and the acceptance value of Amoxicillin, in Mixture (I) was 2.88, the acceptance values for Amoxicillin, Lansoprazole in Mixture (II) were 2.592, 2.424, respectively.

Current and Future Perspectives on the Management of Helicobacter pylori: A Narrative Review

The prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a pathogen, has decreased globally in the last decade. To date, the management of H. pylori has focused on a reactive approach, whereby those diagnosed are treated with antimicrobials and acid suppression in combination. This review article provides an overview of the shift in the management of H. pylori from a reactive approach towards a proactive 'screen and treat' approach; the article reflects the current pharmacological landscape for H. pylori treatment by exploring similarities such as the first-line prescription of quadruple therapy in most countries and provides a summary table of the best practice guidance from Europe, Asia, and North America. It explores significant ongoing challenges in management, such as rising antimicrobial resistance rates, and explores a potential 'work smart' approach to antimicrobial susceptibility testing. We explore the role of registry databases in providing data on treatment efficacy and safety and how they can support a strategic approach to H. pylori treatment. We question if such a database's availability, update, and regular audit should serve as a key quality indicator in a population screening programme. Despite a call for vaccination against H. pylori and decades of research, not many have made it to a phase-three clinical trial. We explore the challenges that have complicated the development of such a vaccine, such as the genetic diversity of H. pylori, immunotolerance, and limitations of mouse models in research; we reflect on how these challenges are contributing to a low likelihood of having a vaccine in the short-medium term. Lastly, it explores the heterogeneity in research on probiotics and their role as an adjunct in the management of H. pylori.

Helicobacter pylori: High dose amoxicillin does not improve primary or secondary eradication rates in an Irish cohort

BACKGROUND

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication rates have fallen globally, likely in large part due to increasing antibiotic resistance to traditional therapy. In areas of high clarithromycin and metronidazole resistance such as ours, Maastricht VI guidelines suggest high dose amoxicillin dual therapy (HDADT) can be considered, subject to evidence for local efficacy. In this study we assess efficacy of HDADT therapy for H. pylori eradication in an Irish cohort.

AIM

To assess the efficacy of HDADT therapy for H. pylori eradication in an Irish cohort as both first line, and subsequent therapy for patients diagnosed with H. pylori.

METHODS

All patients testing positive for H. pylori in a tertiary centre were treated prospectively with HDADT (amoxicillin 1 g tid and esomeprazole 40 mg bid × 14 d) over a period of 8 months. Eradication was confirmed with Urea Breath Test at least 4 wk after cessation of therapy. A delta-over-baseline > 4% was considered positive. Patient demographics and treatment outcomes were recorded, analysed and controlled for basic demographics and prior H. pylori treatment.

RESULTS

One hundred and ninety-eight patients were identified with H. pylori infection, 10 patients were excluded due to penicillin allergy and 38 patients refused follow up testing. In all 139 were included in the analysis, 55% (n = 76) were female, mean age was 46.6 years. Overall, 93 (67%) of patients were treatment-naïve and 46 (33%) had received at least one previous course of treatment. The groups were statistically similar. Self-reported compliance with HDADT was 97%, mild side-effects occurred in 7%. There were no serious adverse drug reactions. Overall the eradication rate for our cohort was 56% (78/139). Eradication rates were worse for those with previous treatment [43% (20/46) vs 62% (58/93), P = 0.0458, odds ratio = 2.15]. Age and Gender had no effect on eradication status.

CONCLUSION

Overall eradication rates with HDADT were disappointing. Despite being a simple and possibly better tolerated regime, these results do not support its routine use in a high dual resistance country. Further investigation of other regimens to achieve the > 90% eradication target is needed.

Lansoprazole (LPZ) reverses multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer through impeding ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter-mediated chemotherapeutic drug efflux and lysosomal sequestration

AIMS

Lansoprazole is one of the many proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) that acts more strongly with ABCB1 and ABCG2. The present study is to investigate the potential of lansoprazole on reversal of ABCB1/G2-mediated MDR in cancer, in vitro and in vivo.

METHODS

Reversal studies and combination evaluation were conducted to determine the synergistic anti-MDR effects on lansoprazole. Lysosomal staining was used to determination of lansoprazole on ABCB1-mediated lysosomal sequestration. Substrate accumulation and efflux assays, ATPase activity, and molecular docking were conducted to evaluate lansoprazole on ABCB1/G2 functions. Western blot and immunofluorescence were used to detect lansoprazole on ABCB1/G2 expression and subcellular localization. MDR nude mice models were established to evaluate the effects of lansoprazole on MDR in vivo.

RESULTS

Lansoprazole attenuated ABCB1/G2-mediated MDR and exhibited synergistic effects with substrate drugs in MDR cells. In vivo experiments demonstrated that lansoprazole attenuated ABCB1/G2-mediated MDR and exhibited synergistic effects that augmented the sensitivity of substrate anticancer drugs in ABCB1/G2-mediated settings without obvious toxicity. Lansoprazole impeded lysosomal sequestration mediated by ABCB1, leading to a substantial increase in intracellular accumulation of substrate drugs. The effects of lansoprazole were not attributable to downregulation or alterations in subcellular localization of ABCB1/G2. Lansoprazole promoted the ATPase activity of ABCB1/G2 and competitively bound to the substrate-binding region of ABCB1/G2.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings present novel therapeutic avenues whereby the combination of lansoprazole and chemotherapeutic agents mitigates MDR mediated by ABCB1/G2 overexpression.

Turmeric and curcumin as adjuncts in controlling Helicobacter pylori-associated diseases: a narrative review

Non-antibiotic adjuncts may improve Helicobacter pylori infection control. Our aim was to emphasize curcumin benefits in controlling H. pylori infection. We discussed publications in English mostly published since 2020 using keyword search. Curcumin is the main bioactive substance in turmeric. Curcumin inhibited H. pylori growth, urease activity, three cag genes, and biofilms through dose- and strain-dependent activities. Curcumin also displayed numerous anticancer activities such as apoptosis induction, anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic effects, caspase-3 upregulation, Bax protein enhancement, p53 gene activation, and chemosensitization. Supplementing triple regimens, the agent increased H. pylori eradication success in three Iranian studies. Bioavailability was improved by liposomal preparations, lipid conjugates, electrospray-encapsulation, and nano-complexation with proteins. The agent was safe at doses of 0.5->4 g daily, the most common (in 16% of the users) adverse effect being gastrointestinal upset. Notably, curcumin favorably influences the intestinal microbiota and inhibits Clostridioides difficile. Previous reports showed the inhibitory effect of curcumin on H pylori growth. Curcumin may become an additive in the therapy of H. pylori infection, an adjunct for gastric cancer control, and an agent beneficial to the intestinal microbiota. Further examination is necessary to determine its optimal dosage, synergy with antibiotics, supplementation to various eradication regimens, and prophylactic potential.

Vonoprazan-amoxicillin dual therapy with different amoxicillin dosages for treatment-naive patients of Helicobacter pylori infection in China: a prospective, randomized controlled study

BACKGROUND

The vonoprazan (VPZ)-amoxicillin (AMO) dual therapy (VA) demonstrates a satisfactory eradication rate for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori ). However, the optimal dosage of AMO in this regimen remains uncertain. The objective of this study is to investigate the efficacy of different doses of AMO in the VA regimen for first-line treatment of H. pylori infection.

METHODS

A total of 192 treatment-naive H. pylori -infected patients were randomly assigned to one of three groups: low-dose VA (LD-VA: VPZ 20 mg b.i.d + AMO 750 mg t.i.d), moderate-dose VA (MD-VA:VPZ 20 mg b.i.d + AMO 1000 mg t.i.d), and high-dose VA (HD-VA: VPZ 20 mg b.i.d + AMO 1250 mg t.i.d). All groups received 14 days of treatment. The study evaluated and compared the eradication rates, adverse events (AEs), and patient compliance among the three groups.

RESULTS

Eradication rates for LD-VA, MD-VA, and HD-VA were 76.6% (49/64), 79.7% (51/64), and 84.4% (54/64), respectively, as determined by intention-to-treat analysis; 90.6% (48/53), 94.3% (50/53), and 98.1% (53/54) according to per-protocol analysis; 89.1% (49/55), 94.4% (51/54), and 96.4% (54/56) with modified intention-to-treat analysis (all P  > 0.05). Although not statistically significant, numerically higher eradication rates were observed with the higher dose AMO VA regimen. There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of AEs and compliance among the three VA regimens.

CONCLUSION

Fourteen-day VA regimens with AMO doses exceeding 2 g/day demonstrated satisfactory eradication rates. HD-VA therapy is potentially the most effective regimen. Large-sample clinical trials are required to further validate these findings.

Potassium-competitive acid blockers and acid-related disorders

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Potassium-competitive acid blockers (PCABs) represent a new class of compounds for the treatment of acid-related disorders. Recent FDA approval of the PCAB vonoprazan for erosive esophagitis has started an important new approach to acid-related disorders.

RECENT FINDINGS

Compared to conventional proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), PCABs provide more rapid, potent, and sustained suppression of gastric acid with faster and more durable symptom relief. Studies have demonstrated the efficacy of PCABs for erosive esophagitis, nonerosive reflux disease, and peptic ulcer disease including H. pylori. However, the PCAB vonoprazan was only approved in the US as part of combination therapy for eradication of H. pylori. Clinical trials have now demonstrated noninferiority of vonoprazan to lansoprazole for treatment of erosive esophagitis, particularly noting superiority of vonoprazan in patients with severe esophagitis resulting in FDA approval of vonoprazan for treatment of erosive esophagitis. Emerging data suggests a possible utility of vonoprazan for PPI-resistant gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and on-demand therapy for nonerosive reflux disease. Vonoprazan is generally well tolerated but long-term safety data is not well established.

SUMMARY

The PCAB vonoprazan is a newly FDA approved treatment option for erosive esophagitis. Its possible role in PPI-resistant GERD and nonerosive reflux disease warrants further investigation.

Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Potassium-Competitive Acid Blockers vs. Proton Pump Inhibitors for Peptic Ulcer with or without Helicobacter pylori Infection: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

Novel potassium-competitive acid blockers (P-CABs) have emerged as effective acid-suppressive drugs in recent years, replacing proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). We aim to compare the efficacy and safety of P-CABs versus PPIs in the treatment of peptic ulcers with or without Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. We searched in PubMed, Embase, WOS, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, CNKI, and Wanfang databases (all years up to January 2024). Efficacy and safety outcomes were evaluated using odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The Surface Under the Cumulative Ranking (SUCRA) probabilities were used to rank each intervention. Among 14,056 studies screened, 56 studies involving 9792 participants were analyzed. Vonoprazan demonstrated the best efficacy in ulcer healing rate and H. pylori eradication rate (SUCRA = 86.4% and 90.7%, respectively). Keverprazan ranked second in ulcer healing rates (SUCRA = 76.0%) and was more effective in pain remission rates (SUCRA = 91.7%). The risk of adverse events was low for keverprazan (SUCRA = 11.8%) and tegoprazan (SUCRA = 12.9%), and moderate risk for vonoprazan (SUCRA = 44.3%) was demonstrated. Compared to lansoprazole, vonoprazan exhibited a higher risk of drug-related adverse events (OR: 2.15; 95% CI: 1.60-2.89) and serious adverse events (OR: 2.22; 95% CI: 1.11-4.42). Subgroup analysis on patients with H. pylori-positive peptic ulcers showed that vonoprazan was at the top of the SUCRA rankings, followed by keverprazan. Vonoprazan showed superior performance in peptic ulcers, especially for patients with H. pylori-positive peptic ulcers. However, the risk of adverse events associated with vonoprazan should be noted. Keverprazan has also shown good therapeutic outcomes and has performed better in terms of safety.

P-CAB versus PPI in the eradication of Helicobacter pylori: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

Background

The efficacy and safety of potassium-competitive acid blockers (P-CABs) in the eradication of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) remains controversial when compared with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).

Objectives

The current study set out to compare the differences in the eradication rate and adverse reactions between eradication regimens based on P-CAB or PPI drugs and the differences between the vonoprazan-based and the tegoprazan-based regimens to explore the efficacy and safety of different Hp eradication regimens.

Data sources and methods

Databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and WOS were searched from the inception of these databases up to July 2023, and eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. The outcome measures were the eradication rate and the incidence of adverse reactions of different regimens in treating Hp. The results were estimated as relative risk (RR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI), and R 4.2.1 software was used to perform the network meta-analysis (NMA).

Results

A total of 20 studies were included in the analysis, involving 5815 patients with Hp. In terms of eradication rate, the 2-week vonoprazan-based triple regimen (V-Tri-2w) was the best, which was superior to the 2-week PPI-based quadruple regimen [P-Qua-2w, RR = 0.9, 95% CI: (0.85-0.95)] and the 1-week tegoprazan-based triple regimen [T-Tri-1w, RR = 0.79, 95% CI: (0.64-0.97)]; the 2-week tegoprazan-based quadruple regimen (T-Qua-2w) was superior to the 1-week PPI-based triple regimen [P-Tri-1w, RR = 0.82, 95% CI: (0.67-0.99)], and there was no difference between the remaining tegoprazan-based regimens and the PPI-based or vonoprazan-based regimens. In terms of the incidence of adverse reactions, the 2-week vonoprazan-based binary regimen (V-Bi-2w) was lower than that of the 2-week PPI-based quadruple regimen [P-Qua-2w, RR = 1.98, 95% CI: (1.57-2.52)]; there was no significant difference between 1 and 2 weeks for each regimen, such as the vonoprazan-based triple regimen [RR = 1.11, 95% CI: (0.82-1.52)].

Conclusion

In the eradication treatment of Hp, the efficacy and safety of vonoprazan-based regimens are generally better than those of PPI-based regimens. Among them, the V-Tri-2w regimen has the highest eradication rate and may be the preferred choice for Hp eradication.

Safety profile of Helicobacter pylori eradication treatments: literature review and updated data of the European Registry on Helicobacter pylori management (Hp-EuReg)

INTRODUCTION

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), the most prevalent chronic infection globally, is the major cause of relevant diseases such as gastric cancer, leading to high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Several studies have focused on optimize H. pylori eradication treatment through combination therapies and antibiotic resistance. However, the adverse events profile and its impact, as a primary outcome, remains underexplored.The aim of this review was to summarize the available data on the safety of the most common regimens for H. pylori eradication and its impact on the compliance.

AREAS COVERED

This review encompassed the published evidence from the years 2008 to 2023 regarding both the safety and compliance for most common H. pylori eradication regimens. The main sources for this review comprised MEDLINE, PubMed, and Cochrane electronic databases. Furthermore, it included a safety analysis of unpublished data from the European Registry on H. pylori management (Hp-EuReg).

EXPERT OPINION

Poor compliance is correlated with significantly lower cure rates, and this is a unique modifiable source of H. pylori treatment failure. Eradication treatments have become complex, involving multiple drugs and dosing intervals. Thus, patient education is crucial; doctors must explain to the patient about potential temporary and most often harmless side effects.

Vonoprazan-based therapies versus PPI-based therapies in patients with H. pylori infection: Systematic review and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of vonoprazan-amoxicillin (VA), vonoprazan-amoxicillin-clarithromycin (VAC), vonoprazan-based bismuth-containing quadruple therapy (VBQT), and PPI-based triple (PAC) or quadruple therapy (PBQT) for H. pylori infection with the consideration of duration of therapy and amoxicillin dose (H: high; L: low).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) up to December 15, 2023. The efficacy outcome was eradication rate, and safety outcomes included the rates of adverse events and treatment discontinuation.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven RCTs were included. The pooled eradication rates were 82.8% for VA, 89.1% for VAC, and 91.8% for VBQT, which increased with the higher amoxicillin frequency of administration and extended duration of therapy within each regimen. There were no significant differences in eradication rate when comparing 7-VA versus 7-VAC and 14-VA versus 14-VAC. VA was at least comparable to PAC. The eradication rate did not differ significantly between 10-H-VA or 14-H-VA versus 14-PBQT. 7-L-VAC demonstrated higher eradication rate versus 7-PAC and comparable rate to 14-PAC. 14-VBQT showed higher eradication rates versus 14-PBQT. The adverse events rate was 19.3% for VA, 30.6% for VAC, and 38.4% for VBQT. VA had similar risk of adverse events versus VAC and significantly fewer adverse events compared to PBQT. The treatment discontinuation rate did not differ significantly between treatments.

CONCLUSIONS

The eradication rate of VBQT was the highest at above 90% followed by VAC and VA. VA was as effective as VAC and superior to PPI-based therapies with favorable safety, highlighting the potential of VA therapy as a promising alternative to traditional PPI-based therapies. VPZ-based triple or quadruple therapies was more effective than PPI-based therapies. Further studies are needed to establish the optimal treatment regimen especially in the western countries.

The efficacy and safety of vonoprazan in quadruple therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication: a comparative study

Background

The efficacy and optimal dose of the new acid-suppressant vonoprazan (VPZ) for quadruple therapy remain uncertain. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of 20 mg VPZ daily (VOD) and 20 mg VPZ twice daily (VTD) with a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) twice daily in quadruple therapy.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the data of 954 patients treated with quadruple therapy to eradicate Helicobacter pylori. Eradication rates and adverse events were compared between the VOD and VTD groups, and between the VOD and PPI groups. Multivariate analysis was conducted to identify the predictors of eradication failure.

Results

Eradication was successful in 875 (91.7%) of the 954 patients. The total, initial, and rescue eradication rates in the VOD group were 92.1%, 93.3%, and 77.8%, respectively. In both the crude and multivariate analyses, the VOD group showed eradication rates comparable to those of the VTD and PPI groups (all P > 0.05). Age > 60 years (odds ratio [OR] = 2.165, P = 0.012) and use of rescue therapy (OR = 3.496, P < 0.001) were independent risk factors for eradication failure, whereas VPZ at a low dosing frequency of 20 mg daily was not. A total of 787 patients (82.5%) were followed up (mean follow-up time, 6.7 ± 2.0 months). Compared with the VOD group, the VTD group was more likely to experience adverse events (OR = 2.073, P = 0.035).

Conclusion

VPZ at a low dose of 20 mg daily is an effective and safe component of the quadruple therapy for H.pylori eradication.

Comparison of vonoprazan dual therapy, quadruple therapy and standard quadruple therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection in Hainan: a single-center, open-label, non-inferiority, randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To compare the potential efficacy and safety of dual therapy and quadruple therapy with vonoprazan (VPZ) as well as the standard quadruple therapy of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection in Hainan province.

METHODS

A single-centre, non-blinded, non-inferiority randomized controlled trial was conducted at the outpatient department of gastroenterology at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University from June 2022 to February 2023. 135 patients aged 18-75 years with Hp infection were enrolled and randomized into three different groups (group V1: VPZ 20 mg twice a day and amoxicillin 1.0 g three times a day for 14 days V2: vonoprazan 20 mg, amoxicillin capsules 1.0 g, furazolidone 0.1 g and bismuth potassiulm citrate 240 mg, twice daily for 14 days;; group V3: ilaprazole 5 mg, Amoxicillin 1.0 g, Furazolidone 100 mg, bismuth potassiulm citrate 240 mg, twice a day for 14 days). Four weeks after the end of treatment, Hp eradication was confirmed by rechecking 13C-urea breath test (UBT).

RESULTS

The eradication efficacy of V1 and V3 was non-inferior to that of V2, which is consistent with the results obtained from the Kruskal-Wallis H test. The eradication rate by intentional analysis was 84.4% (38/45, 95%CI 73.4%-95.5%, P>0.05) for all the three groups. If analyzed by per-protocol, the eradication rates were 88.4% (38/43, 95%CI 78.4%-98.4%), 92.7% (38/41, 95%CI 84.4%-101.0%),88.4% (38/43，95%CI 78.4%-98.4%) in groups V1, V2 and V3, respectively, which did not show a significant difference (P > 0.05). The incidence of adverse effects was significantly lower in VPZ dual therapy compared to the other two treatment regimens (P < 0.05). VPZ dual therapy or quadruple therapy was also relatively less costly than standard quadruple therapy.

CONCLUSION

VPZ dual therapy and quadruple therapy shows promise of not being worse than the standard quadruple therapy by a clinically relevant margin. More studies might be needed to definitively determine if the new therapy is equally effective or even superior.

Vonoprazan is Not Inferior to Proton Pump Inhibitors in Bismuth-containing Quadruple Therapy for Helicobacter pylori Eradication: A Meta-analysis of 10 Studies From East Asia

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the efficacy and safety of vonoprazan based bismuth-containing quadruple therapy (VBCQ) in eradicating Helicobacter pylori (Hp).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The VBCQ and the proton pump inhibitor-based bismuth-containing quadruple regimen (PBCQ) were compared by retrieving relevant studies in Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI, and Wanfang data. Combined analysis was performed with risk ratio (RR) and 95% CI as effect values.

RESULTS

A total of 10 studies were enrolled, including 7 randomized controlled trials and 3 cohort studies. In intention-to-treat analysis, the eradication rate of VBCQ (89.24%, 1103/1236) was significantly higher than that of PBCQ (84.03%, 1021/1215), with RR = 1.06 (95% CI: 1.03~1.10). In per-protocol analysis, the eradication rates of VBCQ and PBCQ were 92.94% (895/963) and 87.82% (829/944), respectively, with a significant difference (RR = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.03~1.09). Subgroup analysis of study design types shared similar results. VBCQ and PBCQ showed an incidence of adverse reactions of 37.30% (304/815) and 34.94% (282/807), respectively. Significant differences were not found between the two groups (RR = 1.07, 95% CI: 0.96-1.19), nor in subgroup analysis. The good compliance rates in VBCQ and PBCQ groups were 94.32% (216/229) and 95.13% (215/226), respectively, with no significant difference (RR = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.95~1.04).

CONCLUSION

VBCQ has a higher eradication rate on Hp than PBCQ, while its adverse reactions and compliance are similar to PBCQ. However, we conservatively believe that in Hp eradication, the VBCQ is not inferior to PBCQ because of the small absolute difference.

Global status and trends of gastric cancer and gastric microbiota research: a bibliometric analysis

Background

Numerous studies have cast light on the relationship between the gastric microbiota and gastric carcinogenesis. In this study, we conducted a bibliometric analysis of the relevant literature in the field of gastric cancer and the gastric microbiota and clarified its research status, hotspots, and development trends.

Materials and methods

Publications were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection on 18 July 2023. CiteSpace 6.2.R4, VOSviewer 1.6.19.0, and Biblioshiny were used for the co-occurrence and cooperation analyses of countries, institutions, authors, references, and keywords. A keyword cluster analysis and an emergence analysis were performed, and relevant knowledge maps were drawn.

Results

The number of published papers in this field totaled 215 and showed an increasing trend. The analysis of funding suggested that the input in this field is increasing steadily. China had the highest number of publications, while the United States had the highest betweenness centrality. Baylor College of Medicine published the most articles cumulatively. Both Ferreira RM and Cooker OO had the highest citation frequency. The journal Helicobacter showed the most interest in this field, while Gut provided a substantial research foundation. A total of 280 keywords were obtained using CiteSpace, which were primarily focused on the eradication and pathogenic mechanisms of Helicobacter pylori, as well as the application of the gastric microbiota in the evaluation and treatment of gastric cancer. The burst analysis suggested that in the future, research may focus on the application of gastric microorganisms, particularly Fusobacterium nucleatum, in the diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer, along with their pathogenic mechanisms.

Conclusion

Current studies have been tracking the eradication of Helicobacter pylori and its pathogenic mechanisms, as well as changes in the gastric microbiota during gastric carcinogenesis. Future research may focus on the clinical application and pathogenesis of stomach microorganisms through bacteria such as Fusobacterium nucleatum.

Ten-Day Vonoprazan-Amoxicillin Dual Therapy vs Standard 14-Day Bismuth-Based Quadruple Therapy for First-Line Helicobacter pylori Eradication: A Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial

INTRODUCTION

Whether 10-day short-course vonoprazan-amoxicillin dual therapy (VA-dual) is noninferior to the standard 14-day bismuth-based quadruple therapy (B-quadruple) against Helicobacter pylori eradication has not been determined. This trial aimed to compare the eradication rate, adverse events, and compliance of 10-day VA-dual regimen with standard 14-day B-quadruple regimen as first-line H. pylori treatment.

METHODS

This prospective randomized clinical trial was performed at 3 institutions in eastern China. A total of 314 treatment-naive, H. pylori -infected patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either 10-day VA-dual group or 14-day B-quadruple group. Eradication success was determined by 13 C-urea breath test at least 4 weeks after treatment. Eradication rates, adverse events, and compliance were compared between groups.

RESULTS

Eradication rates of VA-dual and B-quadruple groups were 86.0% and 89.2% ( P = 0.389), respectively, by intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis; 88.2% and 91.5% ( P = 0.338), respectively, by modified ITT analysis; and 90.8% and 91.3% ( P = 0.884), respectively, by per-protocol (PP) analysis. The efficacy of the VA-dual remained noninferior to B-quadruple therapy in all ITT, modified ITT, and PP analyses. The incidence of adverse events in the VA-dual group was significantly lower compared with that in the B-quadruple group ( P < 0.001). Poor compliance contributed to eradication failure in the VA-dual group ( P < 0.001), while not in the B-quadruple group ( P = 0.110).

DISCUSSION

The 10-day VA-dual therapy provided satisfactory eradication rates of >90% (PP analysis) and lower rates of adverse events compared with standard 14-day B-quadruple therapy as first-line H. pylori therapy.

TRAIL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ChiCTR2300070100.

Vonoprazan-amoxicillin dual regimen with Saccharomyces boulardii as a rescue therapy for Helicobacter pylori: Current perspectives and implications

Yu et al's study in the World Journal of Gastroenterology (2023) introduced a novel regimen of Vonoprazan-amoxicillin dual therapy combined with Saccharomyces boulardii (S. boulardii) for the rescue therapy against Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a pathogen responsible for peptic ulcers and gastric cancer. Vonoprazan is a potassium-competitive acid blocker renowned for its rapid and long-lasting acid suppression, which is minimally affected by mealtime. Compared to proton pump inhibitors, which bind irreversibly to cysteine residues in the H+/K+-ATPase pump, Vonoprazan competes with the K+ ions, prevents the ions from binding to the pump and blocks acid secretion. Concerns with increasing antibiotic resistance, effects on the gut microbiota, patient compliance, and side effects have led to the advent of a dual regimen for H. pylori. Previous studies suggested that S. boulardii plays a role in stabilizing the gut barrier which improves H. pylori eradication rate. With an acceptable safety profile, the dual-adjunct regimen was effective regardless of prior treatment failure and antibiotic resistance profile, thereby strengthening the applicability in clinical settings. Nonetheless, S. boulardii comes in various formulations and dosages, warranting further exploration into the optimal dosage for supplementation in rescue therapy. Additionally, larger, randomized, double-blinded controlled trials are warranted to confirm these promising results.

Bismuth add-on improves the efficacy of 2-week tegoprazan-based triple therapy for first-line Helicobacter pylori eradication: a real-world evidence study

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of bismuth added to a 2-week triple therapy consisting of tegoprazan (TPZ), amoxicillin, and clarithromycin for first-line Helicobacter pylori eradication.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We reviewed the retrospective data of patients who received a 2-week TPZ-based triple therapy with or without 300 mg bismuth twice daily. The primary endpoint was the H. pylori eradication rate of adding bismuth to the TPZ-based triple regimen (TAC-B group), compared to no bismuth added (TAC group).

RESULTS

In total, 306 and 256 patients were included in the intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) analyses, respectively. The eradication success rates were significantly higher in the TAC-B group than in the TAC group (ITT, 82.9% vs. 71.8%, p = 0.029; PP, 95.8% vs. 87.5%, p = 0.027, respectively). The adherence rate to the eradication regimen was 100% in the TAC-B group and 97.0% in the TAC group. The adverse drug event rate in the TAC-B group was comparable to that in the TAC group (29.2% vs. 27.3%, p = 0.742). No use of bismuth was significantly associated with eradication failure (p = 0.038).

CONCLUSIONS

The bismuth add-on increased the first-line H. pylori eradication rate of 2-week TPZ-based triple therapy.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

www.clinicaltrials.gov identifier is NCT05453994.

Comparison of vonoprazan-based dual therapy with vonoprazan-based bismuth quadruple therapy for treatment-naive patients with Helicobacter pylori infection: A propensity score matching analysis

Vonoprazan, a novel acid suppressant and the first potassium-competitive acid blocker, has the potential to enhance the eradication rate of Helicobacter pylori due to its robust acid-suppressing capacity. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of vonoprazan-based dual therapy (vonoprazan-amoxicillin, VA) with vonoprazan-based bismuth quadruple therapy (VBQT) as a first-line treatment for H pylori infection. This retrospective single-center non-inferiority study was conducted in China. Treatment-naive H pylori-positive patients aged 18 to 80 received one of the 2 treatment regimens at our center. The VA group received vonoprazan 20 mg twice daily and amoxicillin 1000 mg 3 times daily for 14 days, whereas the VBQT group received vonoprazan 20 mg, amoxicillin 1000 mg, clarithromycin 500 mg, and bismuth potassium citrate 220 mg twice daily for 14 days. The eradication rate was evaluated 4 to 6 weeks after treatment using the carbon-13/14 urea breath test. Propensity score matching was used to analyze eradication rates, adverse events (AEs), and patient compliance between the 2 groups. Initially, 501 patients were included, and after propensity score analysis, 156 patients were selected for the study. Intention-to-treat analysis showed eradication rates of 87.2% (95% CI, 79.8-94.6%) for the VA group and 79.5% (95% CI, 70.5-88.4%) for the VBQT group (P = .195). Per-protocol analysis demonstrated rates of 94.4% (95% CI, 89.2-99.7%) for the VA group and 96.8% (95% CI, 92.4-100%) for the VBQT group (P = .507). Non-inferiority was confirmed between the 2 groups, with P values < .025. The VA group showed a lower rate of AEs (10.3% vs 17.9%, P = .250) compared to the VBQT group. There were no significant differences in patient compliance between the 2 groups. In treatment-naive patients with H pylori infection, both the 14-day VA and VBQT regimens demonstrated comparable efficacy, with excellent eradication rates. Moreover, due to reduced antibiotic usage, lower rate of AEs, and lower costs, VA dual therapy should be prioritized.

Helicobacter pylori Infection: A 40-Year Journey through Shifting the Paradigm to Transforming the Management

BACKGROUND

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) was discovered 40 years ago and has set a milestone in human medicine. The discovery led to rejection of the dogma of the acidic stomach as a sterile organ and requested to rewrite the chapters on gastric pathophysiology and gastroduodenal diseases.

SUMMARY

Over a period of 40 years following the discovery, more than 50,000 articles can be retrieved in PubMed as of today and illustrate the amount and the intensity of research around the role of this bacterium. H. pylori emerged as cause of chronic gastritis and principal cause of peptic ulcer disease (PUD). Eradication of H. pylori became standard of care in management in PUD. The importance of this was highlighted in 2005 with the Nobel Prize in Medicine awarded to Barry Marshall and Robin Warren. H. pylori became eventually recognized for its oncogenic potential in the stomach and as the main risk factor for gastric cancer development.

KEY MESSAGES

H. pylori gastritis is defined as infectious disease and requires therapy in all infected individuals. Strategies of gastric cancer prevention and development of therapies to overcome the increasing antibiotic resistance are main targets in clinical research of today.

Treatment of Helicobacter pylori with potassium competitive acid blockers: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infects over half the global population, causing gastrointestinal diseases like dyspepsia, gastritis, duodenitis, peptic ulcers, G-MALT lymphoma, and gastric adenocarcinoma. Eradicating H. pylori is crucial for treating and preventing these conditions. While conventional proton pump inhibitor (PPI)-based triple therapy is effective, there's growing interest in longer acid suppression therapies. Potassium competitive acid blocker (P-CAB) triple and dual therapy are new regimens for H. pylori eradication. Initially used in Asian populations, vonoprazan (VPZ) has been recently Food and Drug Administration-approved for H. pylori eradication.

AIM

To assess the efficacy of regimens containing P-CABs in eradicating H. pylori infection.

METHODS

This study, following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis by searching MEDLINE and Scopus libraries for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) or observational studies with the following command: [("Helicobacter pylori" OR "H pylori") AND ("Treatment" OR "Therapy" OR "Eradication") AND ("Vonaprazan" OR "Potassium-Competitive Acid Blocker" OR "P-CAB" OR "PCAB" OR "Revaprazan" OR "Linaprazan" OR "Soraprazan" OR "Tegoprazan")]. Studies comparing the efficacy of P-CABs-based treatment to classical PPIs in eradicating H. pylori were included. Exclusion criteria included case reports, case series, unpublished trials, or conference abstracts. Data variables encompassed age, diagnosis method, sample sizes, study duration, intervention and control, and H. pylori eradication method were gathered by two independent reviewers. Meta-analysis was performed in R software, and forest plots were generated.

RESULTS

A total of 256 references were initially retrieved through the search command. Ultimately, fifteen studies (7 RCTs, 7 retrospective observational studies, and 1 comparative unique study) were included, comparing P-CAB triple therapy to PPI triple therapy. The intention-to-treat analysis involved 8049 patients, with 4471 in the P-CAB intervention group and 3578 in the PPI control group across these studies. The analysis revealed a significant difference in H. pylori eradication between VPZ triple therapy and PPI triple therapy in both RCTs and observational studies [risk ratio (RR) = 1.17, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.11-1.22, P < 0.0001] and (RR = 1.13, 95%CI: 1.09-1.17, P < 0.0001], respectively. However, no significant difference was found between tegoprazan (TPZ) triple therapy and PPI triple therapy in both RCTs and observational studies (RR = 1.04, 95%CI: 0.93-1.16, P = 0.5) and (RR = 1.03, 95%CI: 0.97-1.10, P = 0.3), respectively.

CONCLUSION

VPZ-based triple therapy outperformed conventional PPI-based triple therapy in eradicating H. pylori, positioning it as a highly effective first-line regimen. Additionally, TPZ-based triple therapy was non-inferior to classical PPI triple therapy.

Clinical Study on the Eradication of Helicobacter pylori by Vonoprazan Combined with Amoxicillin for 10-Day Dual Therapy

Vonoprazan holds significant research promise for Helicobacter pylori eradication, with the goal of determining the most effective drug regimen. In this study, H. pylori patients (426) were enrolled and randomized into 3 groups: an EA14 group (20 mg of esomeprazole qid and 1000 mg of amoxicillin tid for 14 days), a VA14 group (20 mg of vonoprazan bid and 750 mg of amoxicillin qid for 14 days), and a VA10 group (20 mg of vonoprazan bid and 1000 mg of amoxicillin tid for 10 days). Key outcomes encompassed the H. pylori eradication rate, patient adverse effects, and compliance. In the EA14, VA14, and VA10 groups, H. pylori eradication rates were 89.4%, 90.1%, and 88.7% in intention-to-treat analysis, and 94.2%, 94.4%, and 94.6% in per-protocol analysis, respectively. Adverse events incidences were 14.8%, 12.7%, and 5.6%, while compliance rates were 88.7%, 90.9%, and 95.8%, respectively. Notably, the VA10 regimen demonstrated comparable H. pylori eradication rates, adverse effect incidences, and compliance levels to the EA14 and VA14 regimens.

Vonoprazan: A Review in Helicobacter pylori Infection

Treatment for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection, a leading cause of peptic ulcer disease and an important risk factor for gastric cancer and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma, is indicated whenever infection is identified. However, treatment success rates with current guideline-recommended proton-pump inhibitor (PPI)-based regimens remain suboptimal, with one potential factor associated with treatment failure being inadequate acid suppression. Vonoprazan (Voquezna®) is a first-in-class potassium-competitive acid blocker with the potential to provide potent and sustained acid suppression. Following clinical trials conducted mainly in Asia (supported by post-marketing experience from Asia) and the phase III PHALCON-HP trial conducted in the USA and Europe, vonoprazan is now approved in the USA for use in combination with amoxicillin (dual therapy) or amoxicillin and clarithromycin (triple therapy) for the treatment of H. pylori infection in adults. The vonoprazan-based dual and triple therapy regimens were generally well tolerated in PHALCON-HP. In addition, vonoprazan has advantages including a rapid onset of action and no food effect, making vonoprazan-based dual and triple therapy regimens valuable alternatives to standard PPI-based triple therapy in the treatment of H. pylori infection.

Potassium-competitive acid blockers: rethinking acid suppression for gastroesophageal reflux disease and Helicobacter pylori

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection are different disease states that are united by the core role of acid suppression in their management. In GERD, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have long been standard therapy based on abundant positive clinical trial data supporting their efficacy and safety. In H. pylori, PPIs are also a critical element of therapy in combination with 1 or more antibiotics to achieve and maintain a pH that maximizes the efficacy of therapy. Despite the considerable clinical success and widespread use of PPIs, room remains for agents with differentiated pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles. The potassium-competitive acid blockers (PCABs) are mechanistically distinct from PPIs but are acid-stable and do not require activation of the proton pump by coadministration of food. In pharmacodynamic studies, these agents have shown greater durations of acid suppression above the critical threshold of pH 4 (for GERD) and pH 6 (for H. pylori), which have been shown to optimize therapeutic efficacy in these settings. These results have translated in clinical studies to similar and, in some cases, improved outcomes relative to PPIs in these disease states. This review summarizes current knowledge on the physiology of acid secretion, pathophysiology and management of GERD and H. pylori, and key characteristics and clinical trial data for PPIs and PCABs.

Evolving Concepts in Helicobacter pylori Management

Helicobacter pylori is the most common chronic bacterial infection worldwide and the most significant risk factor for gastric cancer, which remains a leading cause of cancer-related death globally. H pylori and gastric cancer continue to disproportionately impact racial and ethnic minority and immigrant groups in the United States. The approach to H pylori case-finding thus far has relied on opportunistic testing based on symptoms or high-risk indicators, such as racial or ethnic background and family history. However, this approach misses a substantial proportion of individuals infected with H pylori who remain at risk for gastric cancer because most infections remain clinically silent. Moreover, individuals with chronic H pylori infection are at risk for gastric preneoplastic lesions, which are also asymptomatic and only reliably diagnosed using endoscopy and biopsy. Thus, to make a significant impact in gastric cancer prevention, a systematic approach is needed to better identify individuals at highest risk of both H pylori infection and its complications, including gastric preneoplasia and cancer. The approach to H pylori eradication must also be optimized given sharply decreasing rates of successful eradication with commonly used therapies and increasing antimicrobial resistance. With growing acceptance that H pylori should be managed as an infectious disease and the increasing availability of susceptibility testing, we now have the momentum to abandon empirical therapies demonstrated to have inadequate eradication rates. Molecular-based susceptibility profiling facilitates selection of a personalized eradication regimen without necessitating an invasive procedure. An improved approach to H pylori eradication coupled with population-level programs for screening and treatment could be an effective and efficient strategy to prevent gastric cancer, especially in minority and potentially marginalized populations that bear the heaviest burden of H pylori infection and its complications.

Helicobacter pylori Eradication Treatment in Older Patients

Helicobacter pylori is the main etiopathogenetic factor of chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer disease and gastric cancer. The world's population is shifting towards older people, who have the highest prevalence of H. pylori. Aging-related peculiarities could have an impact on the treatment of H. pylori and there is still a lack of research data in the older population. The aim of this review was to summarize the findings of the most recent information, publications and studies on the issues relating to H. pylori infection in older patients. H. pylori eradication offers gastrointestinal and extra gastrointestinal benefits in older patients. Based on the main guidelines, H. pylori should be eradicated independent of the patient's age, only reconsidering cases with terminal illness and low life expectancy. Proton pump inhibitors are generally safe and well tolerated. Some antibiotics require dose adjustment only in advanced renal insufficiency and the risk of hepatotoxicity is very low. Special precautions should be taken in patients with polypharmacy and those taking aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In older patients, H. pylori eradication treatment frequently causes only mild and short-term adverse events; however, treatment compliance is usually still very good. H. pylori treatment in older patients does not increase the risk of Clostridium difficile infection. Optimal eradication effectiveness (> 90%) is mostly achieved with bismuth- and non-bismuth-based quadruple therapies. Susceptibility-guided treatment of H. pylori can contribute to increasing the effectiveness of eradication regimens in older adults. To achieve optimal H. pylori eradication effectiveness in older patients, the same guidelines, which are applied to adults, also apply to this population: avoiding repetitive treatment prescriptions, choosing quadruple therapies, prescribing longer treatment duration and administering high-dose proton pump inhibitors twice daily.

Antibiotic Resistance of Helicobacter pylori: Mechanisms and Clinical Implications

Helicobacter pylori is a pathogenic bacterium associated with various gastrointestinal diseases, including chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma, and gastric cancer. The increasing rates of H. pylori antibiotic resistance and the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains pose significant challenges to its treatment. This comprehensive review explores the mechanisms underlying the resistance of H. pylori to commonly used antibiotics and the clinical implications of antibiotic resistance. Additionally, potential strategies for overcoming antibiotic resistance are discussed. These approaches aim to improve the treatment outcomes of H. pylori infections while minimizing the development of antibiotic resistance. The continuous evolution of treatment perspectives and ongoing research in this field are crucial for effectively combating this challenging infection.

Low-dose or high-dose amoxicillin in vonoprazan-based dual therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication? A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The amoxicillin dose used in dual therapy to eradicate Helicobacter pylori varies across studies and the optimal amoxicillin dose for vonoprazan-based dual therapies remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of low- and high-dose amoxicillin in vonoprazan-amoxicillin dual therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A comprehensive systematic review was conducted by searching databases from inception to October 2023. All trials that evaluated the effectiveness and safety of vonoprazan-amoxicillin dual therapy for eradicating H. pylori were included. Pooled eradication rate, incidence of adverse events, relative risks, and 95% confidence intervals are presented.

RESULTS

Eighteen studies with 12 low-dose amoxicillin (VLA) and 13 high-dose amoxicillin (VHA) arms were included. The pooled eradication rates were 82.4% and 86.8% for VLA therapy, and 86.0% and 90.9% for VHA therapy by the intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses, respectively. In the subgroup analysis stratified by duration, the eradication rates achieved in 7 days, 10 days, and 14 days treatments with VLA and VHA dual therapies were 80.8%, 84.2%, 83.1%, and 67.3%, 88.8%, 87.5%, respectively. In the four randomized controlled trials that directly compared VLA and VHA dual therapies, the efficacy was not statistically different in the intention-to-treat (76.9% vs 81.4%, p = 0.337) and per-protocol (81.6% vs 84.0%, p = 0.166) analyses. Additionally, the incidence of adverse events (p = 0.965) and compliance (p = 0.994) were similar in both groups.

CONCLUSION

VLA therapy demonstrated comparable efficacy and safety to VHA therapy, along with regional differences. An appropriately extended treatment duration may be critical for therapeutic optimization of vonoprazan-amoxicillin treatment.

Clarifying varied Helicobacter pylori eradication therapies: A comprehensive review

Current global variations exist in Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication regimens. Triple therapy (TT), bismuth quadruple therapy (BQT), and high-dose dual therapy (HDDT) currently represent the predominant regimens. These regimens diverge in terms of treatment duration, the utilization of susceptibility testing, acid-inhibiting drug administration, and patient education. We conducted a comprehensive systematic literature review on these H. pylori treatment regimens. Our review aims to provide standardized treatment recommendations for H. pylori, reducing the risk of amalgamating findings from diverse eradication regimens. Recent research suggests that the optimal treatment duration for TT and BQT may be 14 and 10 days, respectively. Selecting the appropriate treatment duration for HDDT should rely on regional research evidence, and 14 days may be the optimal duration. The incorporation of susceptibility testing in TT is of paramount importance. In the case of BQT, the absence of susceptibility testing may be considered as an option, contingent upon cost and availability, and should be determined based on local antibiotic resistance patterns and the efficacy of empirical regimens. The type and dosage of acid-inhibiting drug would affect the efficacy of these regimens. Acid-inhibiting drugs should be selected and applied reasonably according to the population and therapies. Adequate patient education plays a pivotal role in the eradication of H. pylori. In regions with accessible local research evidence, the 10-day empirical BQT regimen may be considered a preferred choice for H. pylori eradication.

Vonoprazan and amoxicillin dual therapy as the first-line treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Recent clinical trials have evaluated the efficacy of vonoprazan-amoxicillin (VA) dual therapy as the first-line treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection in different regions with inconsistent results reported. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of VA dual therapy compared to the currently recommended therapy for eradicating H. pylori.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A comprehensive search of the PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase databases was performed using the following search terms: ("Helicobacter" OR "H. pylori" OR "Hp") AND ("vonoprazan" OR "potassium-competitive acid blocker" OR "P-CAB") AND ("amoxicillin" OR "penicillin") AND ("dual"). The primary outcome was to evaluate the eradication rate according to intention-to-treat and per-protocol analysis. The secondary outcomes were adverse events and compliance.

RESULTS

A total of 15 studies involving 4, 568 patients were included. The pooled eradication rate of VA dual therapy was 85.0% and 90.0% by intention-to-treat and per-protocol analysis, respectively. The adverse events rate and compliance of VA dual therapy were 17.5% and 96%, respectively. The efficacy of VA dual therapy was superior to proton pump inhibitors-based triple therapy (82.0% vs. 71.4%, p < 0.01) but lower than vonoprazan-containing quadruple therapy (83.1% vs. 93.3%, p = 0.02). 7-day VA dual therapy showed lower eradication rates than 10-day (χ2  = 24.09, p < 0.01) and 14-day VA dual therapy (χ2  = 11.87, p < 0.01). The adverse events rate of VA dual therapy was lower than vonoprazan triple therapy (24.6% vs. 30.9%, p = 0.01) and bismuth-containing quadruple therapy (20.5% vs. 47.9%, p < 0.01). No significant difference of compliance was observed between VA dual therapy and each subgroup.

CONCLUSION

VA dual therapy, a novel regimen, showed high efficacy as the first-line treatment for H. pylori eradication, which should be optimized before application in different regions.

Pilot studies of vonoprazan-containing Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy suggest Thailand may be more similar to the US than Japan

BACKGROUND

Vonoprazan-containing Helicobacter pylori eradication is reliably effective in Japan. Its effectiveness in other countries remains unclear. Here, we examined vonoprazan-H. pylori therapies in Thailand.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was pilot study of four different vonoprazan containing therapies. Subjects were randomized to: 14-day dual therapy (500 mg amoxicillin q.i.d. plus 20 mg vonoprazan b.i.d.), 14-day triple therapy (amoxicillin 1 g b.i.d., slow release clarithromycin-MR, 1 g daily plus vonoprazan 20 mg b.i.d.), 7-day high-dose vonoprazan triple therapy (amoxicillin 1 g b.i.d., clarithromycin-MR 1 g daily and 60 mg vonoprazan once daily), and 14-day vonoprazan triple therapy plus bismuth (amoxicillin 1 g b.i.d., clarithromycin-MR 1 g daily, vonoprazan 20 mg b.i.d., and bismuth subsalicylate 1048 mg b.i.d.). Eradication was confirmed 4 weeks after therapy. Antimicrobial susceptibility and CYP3A4/5 genotyping were performed.

RESULTS

One hundred H. pylori-infected patients (mean age 54.3 ± 13 years, 51% men) were randomized. All were CYP3A4 extensive metabolizers. Cure rates with both 14-day vonoprazan dual therapy and 14-day triple therapy were low: 66.7%; 95% CI = 43-85% (14/21), and 59.3%; 95% CI = 39-78%) (16/27), respectively. In contrast, 7-day high-dose vonoprazan triple therapy and 14-day vonoprazan triple plus bismuth proved effective 92.3%; 95% CI = 75%-99% (24/26) and 96.2%; 95% CI = 80%-100% (25/26), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Both 14-day vonoprazan dual and triple therapy were ineffective for H. pylori eradication in Thailand. Higher dosage of vonoprazan, and/or the addition of bismuth may be required to achieve high H. pylori eradication rates. High-dose vonoprazan triple therapy and vonoprazan triple therapy adding bismuth might be used as first-line treatments in some regions with high efficacy irrespective of CYP3A4/5 genotype and clarithromycin resistance.

Antibiotic resistance of Helicobacter pylori in Nanjing, China: a cross-section study from 2018 to 2023

Background

The increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance in cases of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection has emerged as a significant global issue. This study offers a comprehensive examination of the alterations in drug resistance exhibited by H. pylori in the Nanjing region of China during the preceding five years. Another important objective is to investigate the influence of levofloxacin medication history on genotypic and phenotypic resistance.

Methods

This research screened 4277 individuals diagnosed with H. pylori infection between April 2018 and May 2023. The phenotype and genotypic resistance were evaluated using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion and PCR method.

Results

The most recent primary resistance rates for metronidazole, clarithromycin, levofloxacin, amoxicillin, furazolidone, and tetracycline were recorded at 77.23% (2385/3088), 37.24% (1150/3088), 27.72% (856/3088), 0.52% (16/3088), 0.19% (6/3088), and 0.06% (2/3088), respectively. For the recent five years, we observed a notable upsurge in the rate of metronidazole resistance and a slight elevation of clarithromycin and levofloxacin resistance. The documented resistance rates to single-drug, dual-drug, triple-drug, and quadruple-drug regimens were 35.39%, 28.32%, 25.72%, and 0.21%, respectively. The prevalence of multidrug-resistant strains escalated, rising from 37.96% in 2018 to 66.22% in 2023. The rate of phenotypic and genotypic resistance rate (57.10% and 65.57%) observed in strains obtained from patients without a levofloxacin treatment history was significantly lower than the rate in strains obtained from those with a history of levofloxacin treatment (88.73% and 94.74%). The prevailing gyrA mutations were primarily N87K (52.35%, 345/659), accompanied by D91N (13.96%, 92/659), and closely followed by D87G (10.77%, 71/659). For gyrA mutations, the 91-amino acid mutants exhibit a higher likelihood of discrepancies between phenotypic and genotypic resistance than the 87-amino acid mutants.

Conclusion

The extent of antibiotic resistance within H. pylori remains substantial within the Nanjing region. If levofloxacin proves ineffective in eradicating H. pylori during the initial treatment, its use in subsequent treatments is discouraged. The employment of levofloxacin resistance genotype testing can partially substitute conventional antibiotic sensitivity testing. Notably, predicting phenotypic resistance of levofloxacin through PCR requires more attention to the mutation type of gyrA to improve prediction accuracy.

Diversity recovery and probiotic shift of gastric microbiota in functional dyspepsia patients after Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy

The effects of Helicobacter pylori eradication on gastric mucosa-colonizing microbes in patients with functional dyspepsia (FD) remain unclear. Here, we explored microbial variation induced by H. pylori infection and eradication treatment in FD patients. Gastric microbial abundance and diversity were significantly reduced in the H. pylori-infected FD patients. Eradication treatment increased alpha and beta diversity of gastric mucosa-colonizing microbes, and promoted the expansion of several probiotic microbes, such as Leuconostoc mesenteroides, which exhibited a matched antagonistic performance against H. pylori. Significant variation was observed in gastric mucosa-colonizing microbes between H. pylori-positive and H. pylori-negative FD patients. Eradication treatment induced microbial diversity recovery and may provide sufficient nutrition and space for probiotic microbes, such as Leuconostoc mesenteroides.

Comparative Efficacy of Tegoprazan vs Esomeprazole/Sodium Bicarbonate for the Treatment of Helicobacter pylori Infection

INTRODUCTION

Potassium-competitive acid blockers and proton pump inhibitors/sodium bicarbonate can rapidly increase intragastric pH. In this study, we aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of tegoprazan-based and esomeprazole/sodium bicarbonate-based triple therapies in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the data of patients with H. pylori infection treated with a 14-day tegoprazan-based triple therapy or 14-day esomeprazole/sodium bicarbonate-based triple therapy. The primary end point was the H. pylori eradication rate with first-line treatment in an intention-to-treat analysis. Secondary end points included the eradication rate with first-line therapy in the per-protocol analysis and adverse events associated with eradication therapy.

RESULTS

Of the 854 included patients, 435 were treated with tegoprazan-based therapy, and 419 received esomeprazole/sodium bicarbonate-based therapy. In the intention-to-treat population, no significant difference in eradication rate was detected between the tegoprazan-treated and esomeprazole/sodium bicarbonate-treated groups (78.6% [95% confidence interval (CI), 74.6-82.3%] vs 81.4% [95% CI, 77.4-84.9%], P = 0.313). The per-protocol analysis also revealed a similar eradication rate between groups (tegoprazan vs esomeprazole/sodium bicarbonate: 85.5% [95% CI, 81.8-87.5%] vs 87.8% [95% CI, 84.1-90.7%], P = 0.339). However, abdominal discomfort and diarrhea were more common in the esomeprazole/sodium bicarbonate-treated group than in the tegoprazan-treated group (abdominal discomfort: 1.1% vs 3.8%, P = 0.012; diarrhea: 9.9% vs 21.2%, P < 0.001).

DISCUSSION

The efficacy of the esomeprazole/sodium bicarbonate-based triple therapy for H. pylori eradication was comparable with that of the tegoprazan-based triple therapy. However, esomeprazole/sodium bicarbonate-based therapy exhibited a higher risk of abdominal discomfort and diarrhea than tegoprazan-based therapy.

Vonoprazan-amoxicillin dual therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background

Vonoprazan-amoxicillin (VA) dual therapy has recently been proposed to eradicate Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) with controversial results. We, therefore, conducted a meta-analysis to assess the effect of this therapy for H. pylori eradication.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science database from inception until November 2022, collecting randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing VA dual therapy with other regimens for H. pylori eradication. Pooled relative risks (RRs) were calculated using random effects model.

Results

Five RCTs were ultimately included. Compared with the vonoprazan-amoxicillin-clarithromycin (VAC) triple therapy, the eradication rate of VA dual therapy was lower in intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis (n = 3 RCTs, RR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.88-0.99, P = 0.03), but there was no significant difference between them in the per-protocol (PP) analysis (RR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.91-1.01, P = 0.11). For clarithromycin-resistant H. pylori strains, the eradication rate of VA dual therapy was significantly higher than that of the VAC triple therapy (n = 2 RCTs, RR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.03-1.39, P = 0.02). Compared with the PPI-based triple therapy (PAC), VA dual therapy had a superior eradication rate (n = 2 RCTs, ITT analysis: RR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.04-1.23, P = 0.003; PP analysis: pooled RR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.06-1.22, P = 0.0004). Compared with VAC or PAC triple therapy, VA dual therapy has a similar incidence of total adverse events and compliance.

Conclusions

VA dual therapy had a similar effect compared to VAC triple therapy and was superior to PAC triple therapy. Future RCTs are needed to ascertain the optimal dosage and duration of vonoprazan and amoxicillin, and the effect of VA dual therapy compared with the mainstream regimens recommended by current guidelines.

A randomized clinical study on the efficacy of vonoprazan combined with amoxicillin duo regimen for the eradication of Helicobacter pylori

BACKGROUND

Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) can cause gastritis, peptic ulcers, gastric cancer, and many other gastrointestinal diseases. The 14-day neo-dual therapy for H pylori is considered by most countries to have good eradication rates, while the 7- and 10-day studies have been more widely explored, however, we find that their results are different. The applicability of the shorter and less expensive 10-day neo-dual therapy to our country has not yet been confirmed.

METHODS

The patients were divided into 3 groups of 200 each by randomization method. Group A: patients received vonoprazan 20 mg, bid + amoxicillin(1 g), tid, for 14 days. Group B: vonoprazan (20 mg) bid + amoxicillin (1 g) tid, duration of treatment is 10 days, group C: rabeprazole (20 mg) bid + bismuth potassium citrate tablets/tinidazole tablets/clarithromycin tablets, combined package (4.2 g), bid, duration of treatment 14 days. The main comparisons were H pylori eradication rate, adverse drug reaction profile and cost-effect ratio in each group.

RESULTS

The eradication rates of groups A, B, and C were 92.5%, 91.6%, and 80.1%, respectively. There was no significant difference in the eradication rates of groups A and B (P > .05), groups A and B had statistically significantly better eradication rates than group C (P < .05). The incidence of adverse reactions in groups A, B, and C was 9.5%, 8.5%, and 17.0%, respectively. There was no difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between A and B: (P > .05), The incidence of adverse reactions was statistically significantly lower in groups A and B than in group C (P < .05). Logistic regression analysis showed nonsmokers had a higher eradication rate (OR 2.587, 95% CI: 1.377-4.859, P = .003), and taller patients were more likely to have successful eradication (OR 1.052, 95% CI: 1.008-1.097, P = .020). Group B had the lowest cost-benefit analysis results.

CONCLUSION

Group B had an acceptable eradication rate, the lowest incidence of adverse effects, and the lowest cost analysis. Eradication is more likely to be successful in patients who do not smoke and in those who are taller.

Vonoprazan With Amoxicillin or Amoxicillin and Clarithromycin for the Treatment of Helicobacter pylori Infection

OBJECTIVES

To describe the pharmacology, efficacy, safety, and potential role of vonoprazan with amoxicillin or amoxicillin and clarithromycin for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection in adults.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched using the terms: (vonoprazan OR voquezna) AND ("H. pylori" OR "Helicobacter pylori") AND amoxicillin with no date limitations up to November 3, 2022.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION

Studies assessing the efficacy and safety of vonoprazan with amoxicillin and/or clarithromycin were included and divided into 3 groups based on different comparisons between treatment regimens used in each group.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Ten clinical trials and 17 observational studies were included. Vonoprazan-based therapy demonstrated greater acid inhibition and similar or higher efficacy than proton-pump inhibitor (PPI)-based therapy in treatment-naïve patients and with clarithromycin-resistant infections.

RELEVANCE TO PATIENT CARE AND CLINICAL PRACTICE

Proton-pump inhibitor-based therapies have not reached the desired successful eradication rate of 90% for H. pylori infection. Vonoprazan-based therapies being at least as effective as PPI-based therapies offer an alternative for patients with H. pylori infection.

CONCLUSION

Vonoprazan-based therapies were effective and well tolerated for the treatment of H. pylori infection in adults. These regimens provide an important alternative with prolonged acid inhibition, lower potential for CYP2C19 polymorphism, and at least comparable efficacy and safety versus PPI-based therapies in patients with H. pylori infections. Thus, vonoprazan-based therapy should be considered for certain patients, for example, those with failure to PPI-based treatments.

Efficacy and safety of vonoprazan-based dual therapy and esomeprazole-based dual therapy in eradicating primary Helicobacter pylori infection: A propensity score matching analysis

BACKGROUND

According to the Maastricht VI/Florence consensus report, potassium-competitive acid blockers (P-CAB) may improve Helicobacter pylori eradication treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 213 H. pylori treatment-naive patients aged between 18 and 70 years were treated with two regimens. The two regimens are VDT: 20 mg vonoprazan twice a day and 1 g amoxicillin three times daily and EDT: 20 mg esomeprazole four times a day and 750 mg amoxicillin four times daily. 13 C-urea breath tests were used to evaluate eradication rate 4-6 weeks after treatment. Based on propensity score matching (PSM), this retrospective study analyzed the eradication rates, adverse events (AEs), compliance, and antibiotic resistance rates in VDT and EDT groups.

RESULTS

On intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis, the eradication rate in VDT group (89.0%; 95% CI 81.7-96.3) was non-inferior to that in EDT group (87.7%; 95% CI 80.1-95.3; p = 0.796). The corresponding per-protocol (PP) eradication rates were 94.1% (95% CI 88.4-99.8) and 92.8% (95% CI 86.7-98.9; p = 1.000), respectively. There were no significant between-group differences with respect to compliance or incidence of AEs.

CONCLUSIONS

The efficacy and safety of 14-day VDT and EDT were comparable. Therefore, 14-day VDT or EDT may be recommended for the first-line treatment of H. pylori infection.

Research trends on vonoprazan-based therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication: A bibliometric analysis from 2015 to 2023

BACKGROUND

Vonoprazan is an emerging option for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection. We aimed to assess the research trends and hotspots of vonoprazan-based therapy for H. pylori eradication through bibliometric analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Vonoprazan-based studies for eradicating H. pylori published from 2015 to 2023 were extracted from the Web of Science using a combination of the search terms "H. pylori" and "vonoprazan." Each study was weighted according to the number of included patients.

RESULTS

A total of 65 studies were included. Japan was the most productive and cooperative country, accounting for 69.2% of publications. Vonoprazan in combination with amoxicillin and clarithromycin (41.8%) was most used for eradicating H. pylori, followed by vonoprazan in combination with amoxicillin (20.4%) and vonoprazan in combination with amoxicillin and metronidazole (19.4%). The eradication rates for first-line vonoprazan-based therapies by intention to treat were: dual therapy (82.9%, 95% CI: 77.7%-88.0%), triple (83.3%, 95% CI: 79.7%-86.8%) and quadruple therapy (91.5%, 95% CI: 85.5%-97.4%), and per protocol: dual therapy (86.1%, 95% CI: 81.5%-90.7%), triple (89.3%, 95% CI: 87.9%-90.6%) and quadruple therapy (94.0%, 95% CI: 88.6%-99.4%). Vonoprazan was superior to proton pump inhibitors in triple therapy regarding empirical therapy (RR = 1.18, 95% CI, 1.14-1.22, p < 0.01) and clarithromycin-resistant group (RR = 1.71, 95% CI, 1.33-2.20, p < 0.01), but there is no significant difference between triple therapy and dual therapy (RR = 1.02, 95% CI, 0.98-1.07, p = 0.33).

CONCLUSIONS

Vonoprazan has been widely used for H. pylori eradication. Further studies are needed to optimize the best duration and dosage of vonoprazan-based regimens in different regions.

Optimizing Helicobacter pylori Treatment: An Updated Review of Empirical and Susceptibility Test-Based Treatments

As the rate of discovery of drug-resistant Helicobacter pylori cases increases worldwide, the relevant societies have updated their guidelines for primary eradication regimens. A promising strategy against drug-resistant H. pylori is tailored therapy based on the results of an antibiotic susceptibility test; however, it is difficult to apply this strategy to all cases. Although culture-based antibiotic susceptibility tests can assess resistance to any antimicrobial agent, their greatest disadvantage is the time required to draw a conclusion. In contrast, molecular-based methods, such as polymerase chain reaction, can rapidly determine the presence of resistance, although a single test can only test for one type of antimicrobial agent. Additionally, the limited availability of facilities for molecular-based methods has hindered their widespread use. Therefore, low-cost, minimally invasive, simple, and effective primary regimens are needed. Several studies have compared the efficacy of the latest primary eradication regimens against that of tailored therapies, and their results have shaped guidelines. This article reviews the latest research on empirical and tailored treatments for H. pylori infections. Evidence for the superiority of tailored therapy over empirical therapy is still limited and varies by region and treatment regimen. A network meta-analysis comparing different empirical treatment regimens showed that vonoprazan triple therapy provides a superior eradication effect. Recently, favorable results towards vonoprazan dual therapy have been reported, as it reached eradication levels similar to those of vonoprazan triple therapy. Both vonoprazan dual therapy and tailored therapy based on antibiotic susceptibility tests could contribute to future treatment strategies.